Becoming a Student or Candidate
The CIA has two entry-level membership categories intended for individuals who are pursuing the ACIA or FCIA designations.
Both membership categories are open for registration and came into effect on December 1, 2024. As CIA members, Students and Candidates are bound by the Institute’s continuing professional development requirements and Rules of Professional Conduct, and are required to file an annual CPD compliance statement.
If you are not yet a member of the CIA, you must first obtain a Student or Candidate membership with the Institute to participate in the CIA’s Professionalism Workshop, the Advanced Professionalism and Leadership Course, or any of the ACIA and FCIA modules and exams.
“It’s the best of both worlds. I get to study a program that I thoroughly will enjoy as well as get credit throughout the process.”
-Noah Bensmihen, Student and #FutureActuary
Which membership category is right for you?
Student
The Student membership category is open to those actively enrolled in an actuarial science degree of a CIA-accredited university program and working towards achieving their ACIA designation. The Student membership category is intended to be a transitional membership status and may be retained while the student is still enrolled in full time studies and is still actively completing ACIA requirements, and for up to two years following graduation.
Applicants must also successfully complete an orientation module in order to obtain Student membership.
Student members do not pay annual membership fees but must provide proof of enrollment with their application and yearly reconfirm their enrollment status in a CIA-accredited university program during the membership renewal period. The proof of enrollment must be an official document from the educational institution. Recent graduates may renew their Student membership status up to two years following graduation by providing a copy of their diploma at renewal.
Candidate
The Candidate membership category is open to those who are pursuing their ACIA or FCIA designation and who are NOT enrolled in a CIA-accredited university program in actuarial science and for those whose Student memberships have expired. The Candidate membership category is intended to be a transitional membership status while qualification requirements for ACIA or FCIA are achieved. Candidate membership may be maintained for up to two years without enrollment in a CIA educational product (not including the CIA Professionalism Module). If no enrollment occurs within this two-year period, membership may be terminated.
Applicants must also successfully complete an orientation module in order to obtain Candidate membership.
Candidate members pay annual fees and must renew their membership yearly during the membership renewal period.